Multifunction switch stalk having distal end electrical connection contacts for use with motor vehicle steering columns

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a stick shift, especially a steering column switch for motor vehicles with an, into a receiver part insertable, substantially stick-shaped part ( 3 ), in whose insert region ( 3   a ) are provided electrical connection contacts ( 25 ) for transmission of switching functions to the receiver part, and an actuating part ( 5 ) supported rotatably and/or displaceably inside or at the stick-shaped part ( 3 ) for actuation of switching functions, whereby the mechanism for realization of the switching functions is provided outside the insert area ( 3   a ) of the stick-shaped part ( 3 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention is directed toward the art of electrical switchesand more particularly, to a multifunction switch stalk having electricalconnection contacts on a distal end thereof for easy connection withassociated components such as motor vehicle steering columns and thelike.

The invention is especially well suited for use in connection with motorvehicles and will be described with particular reference thereto;however, the invention is capable of broader application and can be usedfor a variety of purposes in many environments.

Steering column switches of the type described are commonly used in theautomotive industry for providing various electrical switching functionsthat can be easily selected by a motor vehicle operator. The steeringcolumn switches generally comprise a switch housing in which astick-shaped elongate actuation element is supported for selectivepivotable and/or rotatable motion. Typically, first locking means areprovided in the switch housing, the first locking means are cooperativewith second locking means provided at the end of an actuation lever fordefinition of switch positions. Through use of an appropriate stop curvewhen only certain tip functions are desired, it is possible to limit thefunctionality of the switch to only effect a reset of the switch leverinto a home position. A switch of this type is described in EP-B-0 601462.

In order to reduce the costs of maintaining a switch component inventoryand to improve the flexibility in the selection of steering columnswitch functions, a modular steering column switch has been proposed.German Patent Application 196 049 912 describes one such modularsteering column switch whose switch functions can be altered onlythrough an exchange of the switch lever.

In addition to the consideration of providing the greatest possibleflexibility in the selection of switch functions, in actual practicethere often occurs the problem of limited available mounting space fordifferent types of motor vehicles. That is, in the area of the steeringcolumn of the motor vehicles, there is oftentimes only a very limitedspace available for the installation of the steering column switch.

Owing to the persistent trend in recent times of providing anever-increasing range of switch functions at the steering column switchsuch as through touch contacts or rotary type switches, the problem oflimited installation space becomes more and more significant.

There is a need, therefore, for a multifunction steering column switchthat can provide a wide range of electrical switching functions and thatcan be mounted in a small limited space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention provides a multifunction steering column switchhaving electrical connection contacts on a distal end thereof for easyconnection onto motor vehicle steering columns and requiring a minimumamount of mounting space. Overall, the present invention is based on theobject of providing a multifunction switch stalk or stick shift,particularly a steering column switch for motor vehicles which requiresvery little space in the area of the installation site and which, inaddition, affords a very high degree of flexibility in the selection ofthe switching functions.

In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, there isprovided a multifunction switch stalk for use with a steering column ofa motor vehicle. The switch stalk includes an elongate substantiallystick-shaped member including an insert area on a distal end thereof foradapting the stick-shaped member for insertion into an associationreceiver part of the steering column of a motor vehicle. An actuatingmember is rotatably and/or displaceably arranged for movement relativeto the stick-shaped member. The rotatable and/or displaceable relativemovement between the stick-shaped member and the actuating memberenables selective actuation of a plurality of switching functionsprovided by an associated switching mechanism disposed within thestick-shaped member. A set of electrical connecting contacts provided onthe distal end of the stick-shaped member enable electrical switchfunction communication between the subject multifunction switch and theassociated motor vehicle steering column. A minimum space requirementfor installation of the switch of the invention is attained becauseelectrical connection is established using connection contacts at theinstallation site between the switch stalk and the circuits orelectrical consumers in the steering column that must be connected withthe switch.

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, all of theswitching functions and all of the required mechanics and/or theelectrical or electronic construction elements are placed outside of theinstallation area of the switch stalk and, rather, within the receiverpart in the associated motor vehicle steering column. The stick shift orstalk according to the present invention provides, to that end, asubstantially stick-shaped part having a plug-in area on a distal endthereof provided with electrical connection contacts for transmission ofswitch functions to the associated receiver part in the associated motorvehicle steering column. A rotatably and/or displaceably supportedactuation component is connected with the stick-shaped part foractuation of the switch functions. In order to mount the switch stalk ofthe present invention, the distal end thereof is merely inserted into acorresponding insert area in a corresponding receptacle in a receptacleelement, for example, the steering column of a motor vehicle, and islocked with same using suitable separable or non-separable hardware.

One important advantage of the present invention is a minimal spacerequirement in the installation area of the receiver element. Accordingto the preferred specific embodiment of the invention, the actuatingpart envelops the stick-shaped member, at least in the outer region ofthe end of the stick-shaped part facing away from the insertion area andforms a housing for acceptance of the mechanics providing the switchfunctions.

Conversely, however, it is of course possible to widen the stick-shapedmember in the area of the end facing away from the insert area toprovide a space for acceptance of the mechanics providing the switchingfunctions.

In addition, a combination of the above alternatives is intended whenthe housing is to be dimensioned relatively narrowly in cross section orif, correspondingly, numerous switching functions are to be integratedinto a single switch stalk.

In accordance with another aspect of the preferred specific embodimentof the invention, the actuating part includes a head piece with providesa housing or a housing lid for covering the mechanics of the requiredadditional switching functions. Consequently, in accordance with theinvention, additional switching functions are realized by means of merevariation in the design of the head piece alone.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention, a plate isprovided in the actuating part for centralizing the electrical switchingfunctions of the steering column switch and for providing secondadditional switching functions as needed. The plate is preferably formedin such a manner as to enable a predetermined maximum number ofswitching functions and/or certain selected different types of switchingfunctions.

Accordingly, in order to select the desired switching functions, it isonly necessary to provide the appropriate mechanism, preferably in thehead piece of the actuating part, and to then join the connectioncontacts also to the plate.

In accordance with another aspect of the preferred specific embodimentof the invention, the required electrical connections are joined usingan at least partially flexible connection line for joining themechanisms providing the desired switching functions with the electricalconnection contacts in the insertion area on the distal end of theswitch stalk.

An analysis and control unit is disposed in typical application of thesubject multifunction switch stalk in the associated motor vehiclesteering column. The connection contacts of the subject switch stalk arebeneficially connected with the analysis and control unit by insertionof the switch stalk into a corresponding receiver part in the motorvehicle steering column. In that way, an electrical connection isestablished between the analysis and control unit in the associatedmotor vehicle steering column and the switch positions and/or switchingactions provided for in the switch stalk. Accordingly, based upon theswitch position and/or switching actions of the individual switchingdevices, the analysis and control unit executes the desired switchingfunctions in the motor vehicle. The analysis and control unit can beprovided in a separate housing which is attachable inside or at thereceiver part and is designed for acceptance of the insertion area ofthe subject stickshaped part.

Preferably, mechanical holding means for installation of the switchstalk at the associated receiver part in the associated motor vehiclesteering column is formed in such a manner as to permit unlocking orsimple detachment of the stick shift/stalk. This results in the benefitof simple exchangability of the. switch stalk in case of defect or of asimple retrofitting with added switching functions.

Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading andunderstanding of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangementsof parts, a preferred embodiment. of which will be described in detailin this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings whichform a part hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a multifunction switch stalk formedin accordance with the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the switch stalk shownin FIG. 1 and taken along line A—A;

FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of the multifunction switch stalk shownin FIG. 1; and,

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction switch stalk shownin FIG. 3 and taken along line B—B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposesof illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention only and notfor purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 best shows the overall arrangementof a multifunction switch stalk system 1 formed in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention. The steering column switch system1 includes a stick-shaped member 3 which engages an actuating part 5.The actuating part 5 surrounds part of the stick-shaped member 3 asshown and forms a housing for acceptance and mounting of a plurality ofassociated mechanism for performing all of the switching functionsprovided by the subject multifunction switch system.

Preferably, the actuating part 5 includes a first member 5 a adapted toreceive a catch element 7 as best shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the catchelement 7 is firmly arranged within the first part 5 a and is providedwith a single catch position so that by means of the actuating part 5,only tipping functions are realizable with the subject multifunctionswitch stalk illustrated. A spring-loaded catch rod 11 engages with thecatch element 7 for defining a plurality of catch positions.

A plurality of lugs are provided at the stick-shaped part 3 and functionto provide guidance during relative movement between the stick shapedpart 3 and the actuating part 5. More particularly, the plurality oflugs enable swiveling of the actuating piece 5 in a single directionvertical relative to the drawing plane of FIG. 2. The swivel axis isdefined by a suitable mechanism (not shown) in the area of the positionof the catch rod 11 alongside the actuating part 5. In order to notblock any swiveling movement in this direction, an engagement opening 14is provided in the actuating part 5 such as shown in FIG. 4. The stickshaped part 3 protrudes through the engagement opening 14. Appropriatefree play is provided in the vertical direction relative to the axis ofrotation.

Appropriate opening and/or closing of a plurality of contacts within thesubject multifunction switch system will be described with reference toFIG. 2. The actuating piece 5 is selectively swiveled relative to theactuating part 3. A plurality of contacts 15 a, 15 b are carried withmovement of the actuating piece 5. In that way, when the actuating piece5 is swiveled relative to the actuating part 3, the contacts 15 a, 15 bare shifted relative to the plurality of contacts 17 a, 17 b carried onthe actuating member 3. As a result, an appropriate opening and/orclosing of a contact is established.

Correspondingly, when swiveling the actuating piece 5 in a directionvertical relative to the drawing plane of FIG. 4, each one of a set. ofadditional contacts 19 a, 19 b is shifted relative to a counter contactrespectively provided on another support piece 21 a, 21 b. Accordingly,this triggers an associated switching function. The axis of rotation isdefined, in each of the above instances, by one of the lugs 13 whichpresents, for said purpose, an outer surface extending slightlyobliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the stick-shaped part 3.

As shown best in FIGS. 2 and 4, a plate 23 is provided in the outer endof the actuating part 3. The plate 23 serves for wiring the switchingfunction. Preferably, all switching contacts are electrically connectedwith the plate 23. Electrical connection with the plate 23 applies aswell with respect to the additional switching functions which can beselectively integrated into the actuating part 5 in the actuating area.These additional switching contacts may involve, as an example,additional separate touch-contact or rotational switches. The areaprovided for additional switching functions is covered by a head piece 5b of the actuating part 5. The head piece 5 b serves simultaneously as areceiver and an installation piece for the additional switches.

A set of connection contacts 25 are provided on the distal end of theactuating part 5 comprising the subject multifunction switch stalk. Thepreferred centralization of all electrical contacts of all switches orswitching functions results in the benefit that simple contacting isenabled by one or more electrical connection lines routed between theplate 23 and the distal end connection contacts 25. As shown in FIG. 4,two or more separate conductor ribbons 27 may, for example, be providedfor connection with the plate 23 by means of one or more suitableconnection plugs 29. The distal end connection contacts 25 arepreferably formed on a one-sided conically tapering insert area 3 a ofthe stick-shaped member 3. The connection contacts are provided in anarea of a sloping side of the stick-shaped part 3 as shown. Preferably,the connection contacts are combined into two axially spaced apartgroups, each connection contact of the two groups being connected withthe plate 23 by means of one of the two connector ribbons 27.

In accordance with the present invention, preferably, the connectioncontacts 25 are formed as loop contacts with a hooked end so that uponinsertion of the switch stalk 1 with its insert area 3 a into anassociated receiver element provided in an associated motor vehiclesteering column (not shown), secure contacting is achieved withcorresponding counter contacts.

In the insert area 3 a as is apparent from FIGS. 1 and 3, laterallyextending guidance ribs 31 are provided. These serve on the one hand forguidance when the switch stalk is inserted into the associated receiverpiece in the associated motor vehicle steering column and, on the otherhand, to provide torsional support and security to the subject switchstalk. At the same time, the guidance ribs 31 enable locking of theswitch stalk into the associate receiver piece whereby, for example, anappropriate locking bar disposed in the associated motor vehiclesteering column mechanically catches behind the rear edge of theguidance ribs 31.

As will be appreciated, the multifunction switch stalk system inaccordance with the present invention provides the benefit of a minimumspace requirement in the insert area or the installation area.Additionally, the subject switch stalk ensures extremely simpleinstallation, and if needed, disassembly for exchange when a defect isfound or for retrofitting of additional switch functions.

By providing all of the switch functions in the area of the head piece 5b of the actuating member 5 a modular construction is enabled whereby,in order to alter the additional switching functions, appropriatemechanisms can be simply integrated into the head piece 5 b and/or thehead piece 5 b can be selectively modified as necessary withoutaffecting the switching functions proper of the subject multifunctionswitch stalk defined by actuation of the actuating part.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of this specification. As anexample, the subject multifunction switch stalk can be formed in suchfashion that the insert area 3 a of the stick-shaped part 3 engages witha corresponding receiver element in a separate housing which isattachable at or outside of the associated receiver part in theassociated motor vehicle steering column. The separate housing then isprovided with contacts for connection with the appropriate electricalconsumers or with another central control unit or for connection with anelectrical bus system. At the same time, the required electronics forprocessing or converting the signals of the switch stalk may be providedwithin the separate housing. The required electronics would include thesignals for the additional switching functions provided within theswitch stalk. All such modifications and alterations are intended to beincluded insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims orthe equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stick shift, for use with a steering column ofa motor vehicle, the stick switch comprising: an elongate substantiallystick-shaped part including an insert area for adapting the stick-shapedpart for insertion into an associated receiver part of the steeringcolumn of the motor vehicle; a plurality of electrical connectioncontacts disposed at the insert area of the stick-shaped part fortransmission of first electrical switching functions from the stickshift to the receiver part; and, an actuating part arranged for movementrelative to the stick-shaped part for selective actuation of said firstswitching functions provided by an associated switching mechanismdisposed outside the insert area of the stick-shaped part.
 2. The stickshift according to claim 1 wherein an outer area of and end of thestick-shaped part facing away from the insert area widens into a housingfor acceptance of an associated switching mechanism providing electricalswitching functions.
 3. The stick shift according to claim 1 wherein theactuating part is shaped to envelop an outer area of an end of thestick-shaped part facing away from the insert area, the actuating partforming a portion of a housing for acceptance of the associatedswitching mechanism for the first switching functions.
 4. The stickaccording to claim 2 further including additional actuating elementsprovided on at least a one of the stick-shaped part and the actuatingpart, the additional actuating elements being selectively movable toactuate second switching functions.
 5. The stick shift according toclaim 4 wherein the actuating part is a two-component part including abody part and a head part, the head part forming a housing for receivingthe additional actuating elements.
 6. The stick shift according to claim5 further including a plate provided in the actuating part for wiringthe first electrical switching functions of the stick shift and thesecond electrical switching functions.
 7. The stick shift according toclaim 4, further including: electrical connections for realization ofthe first and second electrical switching functions of the stick shift;and, an at least partially flexible connection line for connecting theelectrical connections with the electrical connection contacts in theinsert area of the stick shift.
 8. The stick shift according to claim 4further including first holding means provided at the insert area, saidfirst holding means cooperating with associated second holding meansprovided in the associated receiver part for substantially rigidmounting and latching of the stick shift in the associated receiverpart.
 9. The stick shift according to claim 4 further including meansprovided in the insert area for guidance and torsional security andmounting of the stick shift in the associated receiver part.
 10. Asteering column switch unit comprising: an elongate housing having adistal end for adapting the steering column switch unit for connectiononto an associated steering column of an associated motor vehicle; anactuation member arranged for selective movement relative to theelongate housing; a switch mechanism disposed within a one of theelongate housing and the actuation member, the switch mechanismeffecting a plurality of switching functions based on a position of theactuation member relative to the housing; and, a set of electricalconnection contacts disposed on said distal end of the elongate housingand connected with said switch mechanism, the set of electricalconnection contacts providing an electrical connection between theswitch mechanism and the associated steering column of the associatedmotor vehicle when the distal end of the elongate housing is receivedonto the associated steering column.
 11. The steering column switchaccording to claim 10 wherein the actuation member defines a housing forsurrounding a portion of the elongate housing opposite from said distalend, the housing for receiving said switch mechanism.
 12. The steeringcolumn switch unit according to claim 10 wherein the elongate housingincludes a portion opposite from said distal end with a widened crosssectional area for receiving said switch mechanism.
 13. The steeringcolumn switch unit according to claim 12 further including a flexibleconnection line for electrically connecting the set of electricalconnection contacts with the switch mechanism.
 14. The steering columnswitch unit according to claim 13 wherein the set of electricalconnection contacts are resilient biased spring contacts.
 15. Thesteering column switch unit according to claim 10 further including aplurality of secondary actuating elements disposed on a one of theelongate housing and the actuation member for effecting a plurality ofsecondary switching functions based on a relative position between saidelongate housing and said actuation member.
 16. The steering columnswitch unit according to claim 15 further including a flexibleconnection line, a first portion of the flexible connection line forelectrically connecting the set of electrical connection contacts withsaid switch mechanism, and a second portion of the flexible connectionline for electrically connecting a second portion of the set ofelectrical connection contacts with said plurality of secondaryactuating elements.
 17. The steering column switch unit according toclaim 16 wherein said set of electrical connection contacts areresiliently biased spring contacts.
 18. In combination with a steeringcolumn switch unit including an elongate housing having a distal end foradapting the steering column switch unit for connection onto anassociated steering column of an associated motor vehicle, an actuationmember arranged for selective movement relative to the elongate housing,and a switch mechanism disposed on at least one of the elongate housingand the actuation member for effecting a plurality of switchingfunctions based on the relative position between the elongate housingand the actuation member: a set of electrical connection contactsdisposed on said distal end of the elongate housing and connected to theswitch mechanism, the set of electrical connection contacts providing anelectrical connection between the switch mechanism and the associatedsteering column when the distal end of the elongate housing isselectively receivable onto the associated steering column.